Paying your rates

Find out how and when to pay your rates, as well as how to request a rates rebate or postponement.

Get your Combined Rates Invoice electronically

One you've registered through our online portal, we'll send out your Combined Rates Invoice every couple of months in a convenient electronic format. If that's all you need to know, you probably won't need to use the portal again - we will get in touch with you automatically.

Here are some instructions to help you get set up - or if you get stuck, feel free to call us and we can walk you through the process.

Once you're ready, just click the button below to log in:

You've then got the option to pay your rates in the ways below.

Paying your rates online

You can view all sorts of rates information and pay online using our online portal.

Here are some instructions to help you get set up - or if you get stuck, feel free to call us and we can walk you through the process.

Once you're ready, just click the button below to log in:

Other online payment methods

If you already know how much you need to pay, you can pay directly in one of two ways:

using the POLi secure online banking system. POLi allows consumers to make an online payment for goods and service, or pay a bill online using the security and convenience of Internet Banking.

Your account number (which you can find under the property details on your instalment notice)

A Visa or MasterCard credit card

Westpac provides this service and charges a convenience fee of 2.1% of your total payment, with a minimum fee of $3.50. Council doesn’t receive any part of this fee.

Pay your rates by direct debit

You can arrange a direct debit which allows you to make regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly deductions of agreed amounts, as well as giving you the option to make payments every second month.

These amounts are automatically adjusted for you each year when your rates change, so you don’t need to visit your bank. Each time you receive a rate account it'll show the amount and date of agreed deductions in that period.

How do I set up a direct debit?

Complete a direct debit authority form (PDF 38 kb). You’ll need to print the form and then complete and sign it. You can then either drop this off to us our main building, 30 Laings Road, or post it to us.

Pay your rates in person

You can pay your rates in person at our building at 30 Laings Road or at your nearest PostShop. You can pay by EFTPOS (excluding credit card) or by cash or cheque. If you’re paying at a PostShop, please take your rates invoice with you.

Pay your rates by mail

Each rates assessment is mailed out in a reusable envelope which can be used to post return cheque payments. Please enclose the remittance advice to make sure we can identify your details. Please don’t send cash in case it gets lost in transit.

Other payment options

You can also make your payment by:

Automatic payment

Direct credit

Telephone banking

Internet banking

To pay using any of these methods, quote your account number (as shown under the property details in your payment reference) and make payment into our bank account:

Bank

Westpac New Zealand Limited

Account Number

03-0531-0429500-03

Account Name

HCC Rates A/C

If you’re paying by automatic payment, make sure you pay each instalment in full by the due date to avoid any late payment penalties.

When to pay your rates

There are six rates payment instalments each year, running from July to June.

Instalment

Invoice date

Due date

One

20 July

20 August

Two

20 September

20 October

Three

20 November

20 December

Four

20 January

20 February

Five

20 March

20 April

Six

20 May

20 June

What happens if I don’t pay on time?

Unless you've come to a prior arrangement with us, a penalty of 10% will be added to any unpaid instalment amount after the due date.

A further 10% is charged every six months on any rates still owing from previous rating years.

If you have overdue rates, please contact us to make arrangements for payment.

Rates rebates

If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for a rates rebate.

How do I know if I’m eligible for a rates rebate?

You may be eligible for a rates rebate if:

You are the ratepayer for the property where you live and

You have lived there since 1 July 2018 and

Your total pre-tax income is low.

From 1 July 2018 the income limit for a rates rebate is $25,180 and the maximum rebate you can claim is $630. You may still qualify for a rebate with a higher income if you have dependents or if your rates are high.

Rates postponements and remissions

If you're facing financial hardship and are have difficulty paying your rates, or you are 65 years and older and would like to postpone your rates, we may be able to help out with one of our rates policies.

What happens when a property is sold?

If a property has been sold we need to be notified of the sale. Until we’re advised of the change, the original owner is responsible for paying the rates. Your solicitor will be able to advise you of rates payable at the time the property changes ownership.